The Taiwan authority's description of so-called "the end of the China-Japan War and the post-war receiving" is a distortion that discredits the relentless struggle and sacrifice of the Chinese people in resisting Japanese militarist aggression, a spokesperson from China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday during a regular press conference in Beijing.
Recently, Taiwan's Academia Historica, its institute of historical research, replaced the term "Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" with "the end of the China-Japan War and post-war receiving" in a series of commemorative events. Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian made the above remarks in response.
"This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the recovery of Taiwan. The victory was a heroic epic in which all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan, united to prevail against the stronger foe, demonstrating the unyielding strength of the Chinese nation. In the face of national peril, the Communist Party of China held high the banner of the Chinese united front against Japanese aggression, adhered to the strategy of all-out resistance, adopted correct strategic policies, opened up a vast backstage battlefield, and served as the mainstay of the War of Resistance," said Zhu.
"By replacing the term 'Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression' with 'the end of the China-Japan War and post-war receiving', the relevant authorities in Taiwan are deliberately downplaying the brutality of Japanese militarist aggression, erasing the just nature of the war, disregarding the great achievements of victory, and distorting and falsifying history. This not only reflects ignorance of history, but also desecrates the sacrifices of the entire nation. Their so-called commemorations are nothing more than a clumsy performance aimed at ingratiating themselves with aggressors and tampering with historical facts," said Zhu.
"We urge our compatriots in Taiwan to keep their eyes open, distinguish right from wrong, and join us in remembering the history of the War of Resistance, upholding the national interest, and firmly safeguarding the hard-won outcomes of Taiwan's recovery and return to the motherland. Together, we must resolutely oppose Taiwan secessionists and external interference, protect our common homeland of the Chinese nation, and work for the great cause of national reunification and rejuvenation," said Zhu.
Taiwan's "end of China-Japan War, post-war receiving" description discredits sacrifice of Chinese nation: spokeswoman
The three astronauts of China's recently-returned Shenzhou-20 mission on Friday shared the experiences of their dramatic 204-day space mission, including detailing the emergency procedures which were implemented to bring them safely home after their return capsule was struck by space debris.
The trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie -- met with the press in Beijing on Friday afternoon, marking their first public appearance since returning to Earth in November.
When detailing the emergency response mechanisms which were enacted prior to their scheduled return, the astronauts explained that upon discovering a triangular crack on the spacecraft's viewport window, they immediately took photos for documentation and transmitted them to the ground team, who swiftly activated an emergency plan to get the trio home safely.
Experienced mission commander Chen Dong explained how the crew had complete faith in their colleagues on the ground to find a solution to these unforeseen circumstances which led to their return being delayed.
"First, we must trust the ground team, who would anticipate everything and develop the safest return plan for us. Second, we must believe in ourselves; as well-trained astronauts, we have the ability to manage various unexpected failures. I believe that with the collaboration of astronauts and researchers on the ground, our space home will surely go farther, more steadily, and for a longer time," he said.
Following their extended stay in space as a result of the debris incident, the Shenzhou-20 crew spent a total 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest duration by a single group of Chinese astronauts.
During their mission, they completed multiple payload operations, conducted extensive scientific experiments, and carried out four extravehicular activities.
"Our crew worked together with the ground team in unity and coordination, completing four extravehicular activities, several payload entry and exit tasks, and a large number of scientific experiments. It was a fulfilling yet challenging mission. The path to exploring the heavens is long and arduous, but I firmly believe that China's space missions will succeed," said Chen Zhongrui, a former air force pilot who was making his first spaceflight during the mission.
"From the ground to space, from learning to application, I have deeply felt the solid progress of Chinese space endeavors and the quiet dedication of countless personnel behind the scenes. In the future, I will accomplish each mission with full commitment, living up to the trust of the motherland and the people," said fellow astronaut Wang Jie, who was also making his debut spaceflight.
After returning to Earth on Nov 14, the trio successfully completed their isolation recovery and rehabilitation and will now resume normal training following health assessments.
The crew's return, originally scheduled for Nov 5, was postponed due to safety concerns, with the astronauts later using the return capsule belonging to their successor crew of the Shenzhou-21 mission to get back to Earth. China later launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft which will serve the future return of the crew now aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
Shenzhou-20 astronauts share experiences after safely returning from debris incident
